GM Batpony PBP Gameday VI pt II Wrath of the Fleshwarped Queen [Low tier] (Inactive)

Game Master Batpony

Open for dotting

Dot

A week ago, a letter was delivered to your very doorstep, or to you in person for those who have no homes and rely on the Society to continuously keep you housed and paid.

Greetings,

Once again we find ourselves at the forefront of a great discovery involving Thassilon. Please meet up with your fellow agents in the Publican House in Riddleport. It is a popular tavern and a temple to Cayden Cailean. Once you’ve gathered together, proceed to the Shoanti camp location marked in the map I’ve given you, south of the Calphiak Mountains near the shores of the Varisian Gulf. There you will meet with the Shoanti leader Tide Watcher. She contacted me for help after her discovery of a Thassilonian ruin near their homes.

I trust you understand how rare it is for the Shoanti to reach out for help, and how vital this makes your mission. Continued friendly relationships with the Shoanti are a high priority for the Society, as is learning whatever you can about this ruin and its original purpose. A word of caution, though—I know little about what you may face ahead. If the mission proves too dangerous, do not let your pride as new agents stand in the way of common sense.

I’ve enclosed money to pay for your passage and provisions along the journey. Try not to spend it all in one place.

Sincerely, Sheila Heidmarch

You may have heard of Sheila, the once but retired Venture Captain in Varisia. An expert in Thassilonian lore and always looking for new opportunities in discovery of Thassilonian Artifact. It's unclear to you why she decided you are the best fit for this job. But a job's a job nonetheless, and you find yourselves gathered at the popular tavern in the pirate ridden city of Riddleport. It's a simple wooden tavern, with the likes of pirates, rogues, thieves, and general scummy people. Loud chatter, general drunkard behaviour, and a few fights occur while you attempt to group yourself for the adventure. You agree to meet the rest in this rowdy tavern prior to seeking your contact down at the port.

Make your character introductions! Preferably with a psychical description and an idea of how he/she is like as a character. Once everyone has introduced themselves we will start the adventure immediately!

Fresh from his pathfinder confirmation and a strange boot camp on another plane, Amrik sidles up to a table and scoots in, angling awkwardly enough to protect his tail that waves impatiently. He rests his cold iron nodachi against the back frame of the table-seat and double checks its positioning in case trouble arises. He then silently awaits the rest of the group to arrive.

Pig ducks through the doorway as he enters the rowdy dockside tavern. He wears a breastplate of fine make, which clashes with his more mundane and simple accouterments. The breastplate is scored with scratches that he has done his best to polish out, testifying that neither the armor nor the warrior within is simply for show. He is a half-orc whose blood leans heavily to the less attractive half of the mix, and the complex tattoos across his face do nothing to reduce the menace that his muscular bulk naturally radiates.

"Hello. Pig friend Sheila send Pig," he states to the crowd. It is clear that the Venture-Captain selected Pig for one reason: he looks like he can give and take a punch. "Boss. Boss friend. Captain Shiela boss and friend."

Dot...

Rishh slithers into this den of various intents, and recognizes a few of his fellow pathfinders...Without a word he puts away his polearm in a nearby weapon rack....his other weapons clanking and clinking as he brushes past many strangers, and perches at a small table near the others.

He regards Pig as a brother lost to the savageness of his own culture, and is unable to size up Amrik, but assumes he must be a step above the buffoonery occurring around them.

Tad pauses briefly upon entering the common room, misgiving clear on his youthful features. Darting nervous glances left and right at the tavern's dubious patrons, he subconsciously tugs at his mismatched and ill-fitting armour before scurrying over to join his Pathfinder colleagues.

He casts an apprehensive eye over the other members of the group; eyes ever widening as they pass the bulk of Pig to take in Rishh's reptilian silence and on to Armik, where they come to rest on - and follow - the flicking tail.

"A man is known by the company he keeps." The tip of his tongue licks nervously at his suddenly dry lips.

Dolvin stomps into the tavern brushing the days dust off of his coat, his wide brimmed hat covers his face. He has only just arrived in Riddleport after receiving his instructions but this is far from his first time in the city. He looks around and sees an odd group gathering across the room. He walks across the room towards the group, ordering a drink from a barmaid on his way.

"Good day to you all, might I presume that you are in fact the members of the pathfinder society that I am too meet up with? Very good, very good, "he says not waiting for a response. "I am Dolvin, it seems that Desna has brought us together to help the Pathfinder Society make another great discovery. How exciting!"

The dwarf stands just above 4 feet tall and with the wide brim of his hat concealing his face it appears to those above to be a talking heap of cloaks with hands waving about.

-Posted with Wayfinder

At Dolvin's approach, the letter of invitation that Tad had been nervously fidgeting with, momentary pauses in its twirling.

"Ah, yes," he croaks. Clearing his throat, he tries again, "Yes, indeed. Well met, Dolvin. I am Tad." He extends his hand in the dwarf's direction, offered in greeting.

"Yes! Exciting!" Pig exclaims boisterously. "Pig like discovering. And fighting."

He looks down at Tad as he strides over and chuckles to himself. "You like Sleepy. Except no bow. Hope you not like Sleepy. Sleepy good friend, but always sleeping in fight." It is clear that Pig does not share Rissh's philosophy of silence.

"You sleep in fight, Pig save you," he says as he smacks the man solidly on the back.

Rishh studies Tad and Dolvin intently when they come before the group.

He whispers to himself.....Yesss. I knowssss what you areeee....

Rishh offers Tad and Dolvin a deep and sincere bow, but does not betray his own silence.

hmmm this Pig is quite high strung, but perhaps a good one to stand behind and at times beside in a fight against the unknown... (Mental note)

Tad winces as the unexpected fervor of Pig's greeting jolts through him, a pendant slipping free from the confines of his shirt to swing on a length of string tied about his neck.

"Uh. Thanks." He rubs his back as he glances up at Pig, asking, "Sleepy?Is that a person?"

He nods his head politely in Rishh's direction, his lips set in a small uncertain smile.

We're waiting for one more to check in, but since we're already quite active will go ahead and post the opening.

After getting somewhat acquainted to your new travel buddies, you eventually head out to the pier a block down from the tavern. The walk is uneventful, save for a few near misses from seagull poop.

The sound of crashing waves and seabirds mixes with the smell and cool spray of saltwater at the entrance of a wide, low sea cave open to the Varisian Gulf. A bustling community is hard at work in the dim morning light: tall, tattooed men and women clean and fillet fish, while others toss crustaceans into pots; a group of older children sit in a circle on the sand near the water’s edge and repair nets and harpoons; nearby, several women are busily patching holes in a small boat.

“This is not a sight very many outsiders ever see, Pathfinders,” says a tall, muscular woman. Her head is shaved and tattoos line her shoulders, arms, and neck. “But we are pleased you have come. Kel-grish! Welcome! Let us walk.”

“I am Tide Watcher, the jothka of this tribe,” she says, as she leads the way onto a small path heading up the hill above the cave. “As you probably know, the Shoanti do not often call upon outsiders for help. But this is a special circumstance.” She stops atop the hill and takes a deep breath of the wind blowing off the water before turning to the hills and mountains to the north.

“Two weeks ago I stood watch on this spot, minding both the water and the land. Suddenly a plume of flame rose into the air in the hills there.” She points slightly northwest. “I took a group of warriors to investigate. When traveling down familiar caverns, we soon found a place where the floor had recently collapsed into another series of tunnels that had smooth, worked walls. Then we found the stone door. It flickered with flame and was deeply carved with the runes we know to be the language of Thassilon.” She pauses, a sour look on her face. “It is forbidden to explore places marked with these runes, so I thought it best to simply try to collapse the cave entrance and be done. But then I saw the door was open. Something had either gotten in or gone out."

“I sent word to our allies in Magnimar of what we’d found. I contacted Sheila Heidmarch specifically because I have heard that under her direction, the Pathfinders have made fair dealings with the Shoanti, laid the spirit of an ancient symbol of peace to rest, and stopped a Runelord from rising once again. "

“Five days ago, a priest named Julian arrived from Magnimar and claimed he could seal the door. He worships a good god of monuments, he said, and was confident he could succeed. I have not seen him since, however, so I do not know what has happened.”

Tide Watcher turns to the group. “Pathfinders, I want you to learn the nature of this place beyond the door and determine if it is a threat to my tribe. If it is within your ability to eliminate it, do so. If not, we will discuss closing off the cave entrance permanently. Do you have any questions?”

Things you may know about Thassilon or the Shoanti people, you may attempt to make all checks listed. If you exceed the DC you recall all information at lower DCs as well.

Knowledge (Local), Untrained, Max. DC10: 1d20 ⇒ 6

"Yes. Sleepy good friend," Pig explains to Tad as they walk, taking position in lead as if this is the natural way of things. "Good shot when not sleeping in battle."

He sniffs the air and raises one eyebrow as he enters the cave, commenting on the pungent marine smell, "Better than goblins."

The half-orc patiently listens to Tide Watcher's introduction and request. He then nods and simply says, "Pig can do."

Know History: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Diplomacy : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Ah the Thasallon society, fascinating, fascinating. Runelord Krune recently tried to rise but he was put down. Did you know that each Runelord is associated with one of the schools of magic. Magic is not exactly my forte, but us dwarves love our history.
-Posted with Wayfinder

"If you pardon my ignorance, Miss... Watcher, why do you fear the runes of Thassilon? Is it something we should be concerned with?"

She answer the question in a steadfast manner, not in a way that presents fear, but maybe a lack of curiosity, “The stories I have heard tell of ancient magical traps and creatures, but I have no deep knowledge of these things. Perhaps you can find Julian and ask him when you get there. I myself have my job to do.”

Rishh immediately drops to the ground like a snake and begins to study the ground for any tracks he cannot account for from present company and shoanti in general.

Survival Check: +7(+1 Rank, +3 Class, +2 Wisdom, Track +1), Add 2 for undead tracks

A tall, slender man with blue-tinged skin and milky white eyes comes walking briskly toward the party. Slightly out of breath, he waves and says. "Greetings and apologies! I was called upon to replace an agent. I came as fast as I could. What have I missed?"

"Your trust is not misplaced. We will..." Tad falters as Rishh drops prone and begins his analysis. He continues watching the activity of his reptilian companion as he resumes speaking to the jothka, sounding only slightly distracted, "We will find out what's on the other side of the door."

Being a busy pier, Rishh is able to find many tracks, mostly humanoids, and nothing out of the unusual. Tide Watcher looks at him oddly. "What ... Nevermind, I don't want to know.." She then explains that there is a long walk ahead of you, and ask you to fill in Hironaki along the way, and ask. "If you have any last minute questions, ask now."

She then turns her back and points towards the end of the pier, towards a side cave where there it looks like some settlement, with tent houses, and tent sellers. "That is the Shoanti Axe Camp, if you need to make any purchases before you go, you can find that they are quite resourceful."

Once I get the signal that everyone is ready, or in 24 hours if there's no objections, we shall start travelling.

"What creatures hunt in mountains? And what weather like?" Pig asks, surprisingly astutely if in a rather crude syntax. Once forewarned of what dangers to expect, he inventories his trail rations to ensure that he has enough for the journey.

"You will be travelling through a vast network of caves, no mountain shall be involved. As such worry not about the weather" She replies as she provides you a map, outlining the cave network, it is simple enough to follow that you shouldn't have a problem. She pauses a moment, then converses again, "We use the cave network to travel and have not come across any dangerous creatures. Although it is also known to be a travelling network for Goblins. You should be wary of them I suppose."

What was it that chatty little halfling kept telling me during my confirmation, be prepared?

Armik will visit the Shoanti camp and ask around for alchemist fire.

Will purchase two if they are available

Having satisfied himself with his examination of "a small path heading up the hill above the cave where he was led by Tide Watcher..."

Nagaji glances discernly towards the hills and mountains to get a feel for the nature of the terrain. Not bothering to wipe the earth and rock accumulation upon his armor, Rishh makes for the camp with intent upon a standard length of hemp rope, and 10 torches, and flint and steel.

"Ahh caves, what a delight. You see I have been traveling for sometime now. Above ground that is. But it is well known that my kind do love a good delve in a cave every no and again." Dolvin proclaims with enthusiasm.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Tad follows the others toward the Shoanti encampment and ensures he has ample travel rations, extra torches for the journey underground and fills his waterflask. Once finished, he joins/awaits the others to commence their trek. Should Hironaki join him before the others have returned, he begins filing him in on what little they know.

The settlement isn't very friendly towards outsiders, but you are able to find everything you need, and they sell them to you at fair prices. Rishh attempts to ask around about the cave network and Thassilonian history, but finds that the Shaonti Axe is extremely unfriendly and chooses not to say anything other than what Tide Watchers has already disclosed. but he does not After some time in the settlement, and making purchases in preparations, the Pathfinders follows Tide Watcher to the entrance of the cave.

Rishh, typically everything that you can learn background wise is revealed in the openings with the relevant skill checks. That's the case for this scenario.

After a half-mile hike north guided by Tide Watcher, you arrive at a makeshift camp outside a cave entrance guarded by several warriors. The scouts salute and speak the Tide Watcher. They reveal they have not been inside recently, nor have they seen the priest since he entered. Tide Watcher bids them a good job and order to remain outside to keep any enemies from emerging. She then turns to the group.

"Here's where I leave you, are you ready?"

Rish peers into the cave with his Low-Light Vision while standing at the cave threshold.

After being filled in on the mission at hand, Hiro follows Tad, asking questions to fill in any missed details.

Diplo (for above): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

As the ready themselves, Hiro sits himself on the ground crosslegged and sets out three objects; a compass, belt, and figurine, and begins slowly manipulating each in turn, his eyes closed as if in meditation.

Once done, he stands and follows the other to the cave.

At the entrance, his removes an ioun torch and sets it to spinning round his head.

I am ready. He says simply.

Armik draws his nodachi.

He whispers to the group. "I suppose I should tell you, when I get streesed, I may start speaking in demon-tongue. Do not be afraid."

"Pig ready!"

The warrior eagerly steps to the fore of the group and hefts his large axe over his shoulder.

Tad joins the others at the cave entrance, falling into line behind Armik and Hironaki. He pauses in his preparations on hearing Armik's forewarning, glancing at him and then Rishh.

"It's a poor stew that has no spice," he recalls the old adage from back home. Tad resumes his preparations. Still, it's best to watch out for chilli.

He secures a mace within easy reach, lights a torch and readies his light crossbow.

The cave has no illumination, making it impossible for those without darkvision to make it through. One of the Pathfinder shines a little light for Rishh to peer through. He takes a few minutes to gather his thoughts. It is extremely silent, save some noises of insects scurrying, and a water dripping from the ceiling. Rishh believes it is safe to traverse into the cave.

A few steps into the cave, it's clear to see that it is not normally traversed. The rocks are sharp and jagged, with no smooth walkways. The cave network is narrow, winding, and generally cramped. Passages are typically no wider than 5 feet, and ceilings range between 3 and 8 feet.

I've noted that we've got a few light sources, Tad (Torch) and Hironaki (Ioun torch)

First Survival check

After several hundred feet of twisting, turning, and often cramped passageways, the caverns here begin to widen somewhat. Broken arrows and short, makeshift swords litter the ground, and a rotting corpse lies slumped in a corner. Blood, now dried, is splattered on many of the rocks nearby. The passage continues to the east.

Second Survival check

Survival: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17
Survival: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4
Heal: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

"Look! Somebody passed this way. What priest name?" Pig says as he notices the human footprints on the ground.

He continues onward, humming quietly to himself, until they reach the scattered remains of battle. He investigates the lone corpse. "Goblin. Tide Watcher right. Goblins in cave. Too many weapons for just one goblin to be fighting."

Having noted the darkness, Rishh also prepares a torch using his flint and steel.

Rishh drops to the ground once more like a slithering reptile...and quickly pieces together the story....Tribal warfare here...The large tribe went Wessstt...after fight....The other to Eassst.

Can I verify which way human tracks went? Or just assume East because of map?

Perhaps we go wesssttt? in case larger tribe backtracks and follows usses if we go eassst?

1st Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
2nd Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Tad looks on in admiration as the others inspect what looks like barren rock to his eyes and piece together the events that transpired.

Noticing Pig investigating the lone corpse, he crouches down beside him, also checking over the small body.

"It's been dead some time," he murmurs as he works."About a fortnight.
And signs of burning here," he points, "and stabbing here," he points again.

He sits back on his heels to look around while the others finish their investigations.

"I don't think we're in immediate danger," he replies to Rishh. "Perhaps it's best not to risk stirring it up and just stick to our task and follow the directions to the door. Unless your tracking shows more recent signs of passage?"

The human footprints follow the direction of the map, towards the east. Similarly the same way in which the splinter group of Goblins headed towards. As there's nothing further for the group to realise, they continue down the path towards the said ruins.

Another 100 feet beyond the current site, you are able to easily discern the place where the boulder broke into the tunnel below. Entering into the tunnels below...

Dim, flickering light illuminates a natural chamber roughly 30 feet by 10 feet. Stalactites cling to the ceiling and a few stalagmites rise from the floor. The air is damp and clammy. At the eastern end of the room stands a 10-foot-wide wooden double door set into the wall. The door is old, rotting wood with many splinters. Flames flicker about the columns and lintel, casting the spiky, spidery runes covering the surfaces into sharp relief. The doors are partially open.

A man stands by the door, looking exhausted, and seems to be just waiting there looking into the door. His description matches those of Julian, and it is likely safe to presume that this is he. He's back is turned against you, and he takes no attention towards your arrival.

As you approach, you notice on the door, there is a sign written in a foreign language.

Hironaki sees the man and moves forward, pausing to read the door, then says, "Hello there? Are you ok? Father Julian, I presume?"

Tad follows a short distance behind Hironaki, uncomprehending as he looks over the writing on the sign.

He turns his attention toward Father Julian, awaiting the priest's response to Hironaki's queries, ready to assist with first aid if needed.

Linguistics : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24I've got to try

Dolvin approaches the man but allows the others to do the initial introductions.

-Posted with Wayfinder

He jumps as Hironaki makes his presence known to the man. He turns and looks somewhat apprehensive towards the large group approaching him. His eyes are bloodshot with black rings, indicating he likely has not slept in a while. He speaks fairly soft, as if out of breathe and as polite as he possibly can.

"Ye..es? I am he. And wh..ho might you be if I may enquire?"

"Pig Pathfinder," Pig says as they approach the priest. "Pig's friends Pathfinders, too. We explore."

He walks right up to the door and points at the runes. "What scribbles say?"

Hiro gives a short bow and says "We are Pathfinders. I am called Hironaki. After you had not returned, we were asked to find you and potentially help explore these ruins. What happened? Did you encounter trouble? Many are worried about your welfare. Do you require healing?"

In response to Pig, Hiro looks back over his shoulder and says, "It says, 'Beyond here lies only pain for the enemies of Bakrakhan'. Inviting, no?"

Tad nods in confirmation of Pig and Hironaki's identification as Pathfinders. "And I'm Tad," he introduces himself to the priest. "We're here to help."

"Bakrakhan?" Tad slowly shakes his head and shrugs, scanning the door and sign. "Not a name I've heard."

A sigh of relief comes over him, and he begins to explain his story. Continuing in a tired and groggy voice. " I have expended all his spells to power the ritual to seal away the magical energies seeping from the ruins beyond, but to no avail. Something is hindering me from doing this, some magical energy. In light, I have successfully raised a ward at the entrance but must renew it every 10 minutes. I've not slept in days..." He pauses then, looking a bit lost.

"Pig go," he points at the door. "Pig stop hindering. Then get sleep."

Hiro's face wrinkles in confusion. "You are trying to steal the door? Yo what ends? What is behind? What concerns you?"

"You've been maintaining this ward on your own, for days? Without rest?" Tad looks impressed as he shakes his head in admiration. "It's no wonder you are tired, Father. You have served... uh, your god... well. Who is it you serve?"